Structure and chemical analysis of the metathoracic scent glands of Carpocoris fuscispinus (Boheman, 1851) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) from Turkey

Metathoracic scent glands (MTGs) of Carpocoris fuscispinus (Boheman, 1851) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were studied in adult females and males. Structures of the glands were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and the volatile fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MTGs of C. fuscispinus have many features in common: a large, median reservoir and paired lateral glands opening laterally at each anterior margin forming evaporation areas composed of mushroom-like structures, which are diagnostic for species-level taxonomy. In the MTGs of C. fuscispinus, 24 and 21 compounds were detected in females and males, respectively. Most of the chemical compounds are qualitatively similar in each male and female but diff er in quantity. In the MTG analysis of females, n-tridecane (57.76%) was most abundant, and bromoacetic acid decyl ester (0.04%) was least abundant. In males, n-tridecane (49.26%) was most abundant, and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (0.06%) was least abundant in all samples.